It starts off with a minor twinge when you eat or drink cold foods or beverages. No big deal if it goes away, right? The next thing you know you’re waking up in the night to a painful toothache and your dentist is telling you that you’ll need a root canal. How did this happen? Did you know that it could’ve prevented? Dr. Sam Carroll, your general dentist in Yuma, shares some signs you should visit your dentist.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
It is a telltale indicator that you may have a crack or fracture in your tooth. When hot and cold items start to reach your nerve, you’ll begin to experience pain. Being proactive about your oral health with regular visits to your dentist every six months can help prevent these situations. Dr. Carroll can spot decay, fractures, and other issues on your x-rays and through your examination, even earlier than you can believe it or not. If you detect this issue early on, a dental filling may be able to take care of the problem, saving you from more invasive treatment such as a root canal.
Gums Bleed During Brushing
While it may not seem like a big deal, if your gums appear red and swollen, or bleed when you brush your teeth, you’re well on your way to a case of gum disease. These signs again are the early indicators, and if you’re proactive, you may be able to control or even reverse your condition with a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care. That is another condition that can detect during your regular checkup appointment.
If gum disease is left untreated, the infection of your soft tissue and bone will eventually destroy them, and you’ll begin to experience tooth loss. Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults? We can help you during this stage with a more in-depth cleaning that reaches below the gum line to remove large plaque and tartar buildup.
Call our Yuma DMD Dental Office!
At Sam Carroll, DMD, we’re here to be your partners in optimum oral health. Prevention is your first line of defense against oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, and we encourage you to call us today and get your next appointment scheduled. Learn about practical solutions for minor cosmetic dental issues.
